Luke Geiger Independent Developer

Who are you and what do you do?

I am Luke Geiger. I'm a self taught iOS developer and designer from Detroit, Michigan. I mostly have been working as a freelance developer but just recently I began my own company called 6th Man Apps, which is an iOS development company that specializes in sport software. We are close to releasing our first iPad application HoopMetrics which is a basketball statistics tracker. Join me on Twitter here.

How did you get started in iOS development?

Well, when Apple first posted their "developers tell their story" videos on their developer site I fell in love. The whole idea of it just seemed so awesome. I instantly saw how becoming a programmer could open doors in my entrepreneurial hopes. I had no previous programming experience before objective-c and being the stubborn teenager I was I dove right in thinking I would pick it up fast. I mean Steve Demeter from Demiforce made it sound so easy! Wow, I was wrong. About seven books later I finally felt like I knew what I was doing.

What is your computer and workspace setup while developing?

To code I am using a 15 inch Macbook Pro with 8GB RAM. My office is painted with whiteboard paint which I thought doing that would be a cool way to remember my ideas. I have one external display. I do my coding directly on my Macbook, designing (Photoshop etc) on the external. But, during March Madness it is likely tuned in to some college hoops. On my desk I have a set of drawers all filled with developer books that I've collected as I went along my learning journey. One of those drawers I have dedicated strictly to USB cords and is designated by one of those big Apple stickers you get with your iPhone. I have probably lost about nine of those darn cords and nothing is more annoying then wanting to test an app on a device and not have a USB cord...

What are your favourite Apple iOS API's to use within apps you develop?

It's a tough question. I really enjoy using them all and learning how to use them. But the new Appearance API's are pretty cool. It saves so much time having to think of some round about way just to change the color of a navigation bar.

What is some software that you use outside of Xcode for development?

Since I am also an app designer along with programmer, Photoshop is always open so I can fidget with whatever I am working on and quickly see results back in Xcode. Probably the most useful tool I have encountered is the iOS simulator screenshot cropper. The app makes it so easy to get screenshots of your work.

If you had two minutes to tell another developer your favorite iOS development tip, what would it be?

When you come across something you have no idea how to do. Don't be afraid to step away from it for a while. Nine times out of ten when I do that and come back to my work I can find the answer within minutes. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions of other people. When I first began developing I emailed the authors of each of the books I read on a daily basis until I heard a response from them. I probably got pretty annoying, but I learned something.

From a developers perspective, what are your hopes for the next major iOS update?

I really want Apple to open up Siri and give us the ability to have our apps communicate with her. Just the thought of it gives me Goosebumps. I also want a better multitasking. To this day, when I clear out my phones apps in the multi task toolbar people always go "whoa whats that!" I mean half the people who have an iPhone don't even know that they are supposed to clear out their apps.

Finally, what is your favourite app?

LogMeIn. Such an awesome app. It has saved me so many times. When I have forgot to email myself a presentation, report, whatever it may be.